Tensions have flared up in the backdrop of the Pulivendula ZPTC by-elections in YSR district after YSRCP MLC Ramesh Yadav and party leader Velpula Ramu were allegedly attacked. The incident has sparked outrage within the YSR Congress Party, which has squarely blamed TDP workers for the violence, accusing them of resorting to such tactics out of fear of losing the poll.
Disturbing visuals have surfaced, showing vehicles vandalized and the injured leaders being rushed to a hospital. The YSRCP has condemned the attack in strong terms, labelling the TDP “anti-BC” for targeting Ramesh Yadav, a member of the Backward Class community.
To this extent, YCP district president P. Ravindranath Reddy, former MLC S.V. Satish Reddy, Kadapa Mayor Suresh Babu, and Deputy Mayor Nityananda Reddy have filed a complaint with SP I.G. Ashok Kumar. According to the details mentioned in the complaint, the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the Pulivendula ZPTC by-elections ended on the 5th of this month.
With this, TDP and YCP leaders are campaigning fiercely with the aim of winning the Pulivendula seat at any cost. YCP leaders Ramesh Reddy, Amareswara Reddy, Srikanth, Nagesh and Shanmohan Reddy from Saidapuram were attacked on Tuesday night while they were going to a wedding function hall in Pulivendula town.
Similarly, YCP MLC Ramesh Kumar Yadav, who had gone to Nalgonduvaripalli for election campaigning, was attacked and injured. The complaint states that these attacks were carried out by TDP workers. The windows of the MLC’s escort vehicle were broken in these attacks. Former Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy consulted the injured MLC over the phone on these incidents.
Meanwhile, Kurnool DIG Koya Praveen said that the ZPTC by-election will be held with dignity. Speaking to reporters at the DSP office in Pulivendula, he said that check posts have been set up at the district borders to prevent any untoward incidents. He advised the leaders of both the parties to conduct election campaigns only in the designated areas.
He said that rowdy sheeters and troublemakers have been identified and bind over cases have been registered against them to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections. He said that special teams have been formed from the sub-division and district.